...this brainless cheapie would deserve a much lower rating. Everything from unintentional laughs like the line about the lady who mutilated her face because she thought her electric fan was a "vibrator" to the bogus "Beat" poet at an even more bogus "Beat" nightclub to the obviously closeted psychiatrist to the blatantly misogynistic tenor of the entire proceedings just, shall we say, screams? It's all the fault of a terrible script, of course, one that was apparently written by and for the mentality of the children who were likely the primary audience. The ostensible hero is a clueless dolt, the women aren't much smarter, the central topic of hypnotism is handled with no genuine understanding whatsoever, and the ludicrous plot is rife with gigantic holes and glaring inconsistencies. Still, if you turn off your brain, the film has its charms, mostly for the nostalgia value. Pretty strictly MST3000 viewing only, but one could do much, much worse.

When a series of strange self-mutilations against women occurs throughout the city, the police investigator assigned to the case worries a big-shot hypnotist is responsible and tries to keep his girlfriend from falling under his spell and becoming another victim.This here was a fairly entertaining if somewhat slightly flawed effort. The main crux of this one is the fact that there's just as much of a mystery angle as there is a horror angle, almost to the point of that being the film's interest rather than the horror since the mutilations take place before the film starts with us getting involved at the most recent attack while the majority of the film takes focus on the police trying to find the cause of the attacks with little effort before stumbling onto the whole affair at the end. This isn't bad at all despite the change in tactics because the mystery is handled nicely with a rather shocking reveal late in the film that makes it a lot more shocking than expected. The few attacks shown are quite gruesome and graphic for the time-period, with one being quite shocking overall. Coupled with a bevy of attractive women and a rather healthy viewpoint of hypnosis and it's effects, this one isn't all that bad.Today's Rating-PG: Violence.

Something weird is happening. Reports are coming from all over town that beautiful young women are mutilating themselves--and no one, even the women, know why. The police are baffled and the trail leads to a stage hypnotist who MIGHT be giving women some sort of hypnotic suggestions to injure themselves! But why? What's all this about anyway? This is one of those films where you just need to accept the premise and go with it. Sure, you can't do evil things like this with hypnosis (I should know, as I have training in hypnosis and WOULD use it for evil if it was possible!). But, ignore this and watch this interesting little horror-suspense film--a film far better than I expected. That's because although it is a low-budget film with a cast of lesser-known actors, the script is exciting and creepy. I also liked the William Castle-style of direction--with the hypnotic eye! Just be warned--it might be a bit too creepy for small kids. Still, it's a dandy horror-suspense film.

Before the jaded, post "Star Wars" audiences took over, there were "B" films, independent films and foreign films all playing at those comfortable neighborhood theaters and drive-ins. "The Hypnotic Eye" is one of the best.Featuring crisp, moody black and white cinematography, a wonderful main title theme and excellent performances from its cast, this offbeat thriller was somewhat influenced by the popularity of quality detective series, like "Naked City," appearing on television at the time. "The Hypnotic Eye" combines a solid mystery story with hard-hitting horror effects for a chilling and satisfying ride.This was one of the first movies I can recall seeing as a child, as a re-run on TV. I was drawn in by its atmosphere and attractive cast. The end seemed very exciting to me and over 40 years later, I can still enjoy it through adult eyes.Younger audiences, desensitized by the vulgarity of the post-modern world, its drug culture, hippies and bombastic films will be completely unable to understand this film. However, in the context of the era in which it was produced--1960--it is impactful and entertaining.If you're over 45 and haven't seen it, check it out.